Diluting concentrated sulfuric acid is a delicate process that requires strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent hazardous reactions. The process involves adding the acid to water, never the reverse. This specific order is crucial due to the exothermic nature of the reaction. When concentrated sulfuric acid is added to water, it gradually disperses and dilutes, allowing the heat generated to be absorbed by the larger volume of water. This controlled release of heat minimizes the risk of splattering, boiling, or other dangerous reactions. The procedure should be done slowly and with constant stirring to ensure even distribution of the acid. If the procedure is reversed—adding water to concentrated sulfuric acid—the outcome can be catastrophic. The water, being less dense, will float on top of the acid, which can cause localized boiling. The rapid heat generation can lead to the water vaporizing explosively, splashing the highly corrosive acid. This is precisely what occurred duri...